Inaugurating a two-day conference of Governors at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Tuesday, President Pranab Mukherjee said those holding constitutional posts should maintain the sanctity of the Constitution.
Crediting the nation’s strides since Independence to adherence to the values of the statute, Mr. Mukherjee said: “It is primarily due to our steadfast adherence to the principles enshrined in our Constitution. It is an enduring document that reflects our aspirations and the avenues to achieve them, in an inclusive manner. It is incumbent on us all who hold constitutional positions to maintain the sanctity of this sacred text.”
This advice to the Governors comes at a time when many have questioned the role of Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa in the developments resulting in the imposition of Central rule on the State. The matter is also pending in the Supreme Court.
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Referring to 2015 as a difficult year, the President said: “We faced challenges from the global economic slowdown, climatic changes, and internal and external security. States having international borders were affected by terrorist attacks that had clear external linkages. Volatile external security environment makes it incumbent on us to upgrade our defence capabilities.”
He, however, insisted that peaceful dialogue was the way out. “At the same time, we have to continue our efforts at resolving all outstanding international issues through peaceful dialogue and negotiations,” he said.
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Calling attention to the problem of climate change, he said: “Its ill-effects are visible in the abnormal behaviour of nature in recent times. The unprecedented floods that submerged Chennai in December last resulted in untold human suffering and economic loss. We must make our disaster management systems more scientific...”
He said pollution was a problem that needed to be combated, as it “breached” the people’s “right to lead a healthy, happy and productive life.”